Renowned broadcaster Hoda Kotb’s recent exit from a popular talk show has caused mixed reactions. But it’s her reasons for leaving that are really sparking conversations online.
Journalist Hoda Kotb recently announced her decision to step down as co-anchor of the “Today” show, leading to widespread discussions on social media and fan forums.
Many viewers have expressed surprise at the sudden announcement, as Hoda has been a central figure on the show for years. Some fans speculate there may be behind-the-scenes drama, while others think it could be a personal decision.
TV personality Hoda Kotb, who co-anchored the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie for over five years, recently opened up about her journey during a live broadcast. Her full statement was later shared on the “Today” show’s Instagram page.
She said, “My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life, thanks to all of you. ‘Today’ and its amazing people never change—you all handle everything with grace and courage.”
In a letter, Hoda reflected on her 26-year career at NBC, which included ten years with “Dateline,” seven years on the 7 a.m. hour, and sixteen years on the 10 a.m. hour.She revealed that she had been thinking about this decision for a while, unsure if she was ready. However, her 60th birthday helped confirm that it was the right time to move forward.
Hoda talked about her meaningful career, nearly three decades long, and stressed the importance of spending more time with her daughters and her mother.
Although she will miss everyone, Hoda expressed excitement for the future and promised to continue working until early 2025, giving her time to discuss future plans with fans.
She assured viewers that the “Today” show team would continue to thrive, regardless of any changes. Hoda also expressed her gratitude to the NBC family, saying they would always have a special place in her heart.
Born in Egypt, Hoda has faced significant personal challenges throughout her career. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the treatment made it impossible for her to have children.
After surviving cancer, her marriage to tennis coach Burzis Kanga ended in divorce a year later. At the time, Hoda had accepted that she might never become a mother.
Despite that, Hoda always dreamed of motherhood. She thought about switching careers, possibly becoming a teacher or running a summer camp.
In 2017, Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, and announced the joyful news on the “Today” show, sharing her happiness with her colleagues.
Less than ten days after bringing Haley home, Hoda had already settled into the routine of bottle feedings, diaper changes, and laundry in her Upper West Side penthouse. She found a new kind of love she had never felt before.
In 2019, she expanded her family by adopting another baby girl, Hope Catherine. Haley happily embraced her role as a big sister.
In March 2023, Hoda’s family faced a health scare when Hope had to stay in the hospital for a week, including a few days in the ICU.
Hoda took time off work to care for Hope, and after returning, she expressed deep gratitude that her daughter was recovering. She mentioned that the recovery would take time but remained optimistic.
Hoda shares her two daughters with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, to whom she was engaged from 2019 until 2022. As a single mom, she now lives with her daughters in a suburban home, moving from her New York City apartment in March 2024.
Moving to the suburbs was a hard decision, as Hoda had lived in the same apartment since adopting her daughters. But she felt the move would give her children new experiences, like playing in a yard and riding bikes in a safer, quieter area.
Turning 60 made Hoda reflect on her life, particularly the lessons of motherhood. She shared that her daughters showed her that anything is possible and helped her realize she is “good enough,” flaws and all.
Her daughters also taught her to find humor in challenges and reminded her that she was always meant to be a mother. As she grew older, Hoda felt that her children now deserved more of her time, which played a big role in her decision to leave the “Today” show.
However, some reports suggest another reason for Hoda’s departure. Allegedly, she left her $20 million-plus per year deal after NBC offered her a pay cut.
A media executive noted that this is part of a trend in TV news, where many are facing pay cuts or job losses. Since the news broke, people online have been actively discussing Hoda’s decision.
One user commented, “She made her millions. Now it’s time to spend them.” Another said, “Hoda is worth 30 million dollars. I’d quit too.”
Others showed support, with one person writing, “Your kids will love having more of you. Enjoy your newfound freedom.”
Hoda Kotb’s journey has been filled with challenges and successes, but her love for her family has always been her priority. As she moves into a new chapter, she focuses on what matters most—her daughters and their life together.
Taylor Swift Seen Struggling to Perform, and Fans Are «So Worried»
The show must go on, and so it did for Taylor Swift, who was seen having a hard time trying to keep it together during a concert. Footage of the singer struggling ended up on social media, which gave rise to a wave of comments showing concern for her well-being.
In a TikTok video, the 34-year-old singer was seen heavily coughing and clearing her throat multiple times while trying to perform one of her hit songs at a show in Singapore. The clip was followed by a caption that read, «Hope she’s okay, she’s been coughing.»
Fans quickly found the video and began expressing their worry for Swift’s health, who has been on a world tour comprised of 152 shows across five continents. «I was there and so worried about Taylor,» one user wrote, while another pointed out that «she needs some rest.»
People speculated that she has probably been affected by «the drastic weather changes in different regions» while touring, and praised her for keep going nevertheless and not canceling any concerts. «I can only imagine how exhausting it must be whilst on tour giving it 100% with every performance. She is incredible!»
Perhaps to fans’ peace of mind, Swift has a crucial policy in place to prevent her from getting sick during The Eras Tour, which is considered the highest-grossing tour of all time since it surpassed $1 billion in revenue.
Amid her extensive tour in Australia, it was noted that fan meet-and-greets were no longer offered to minimize her chances of falling ill. «When Taylor is on tour, strict measures are put into place to stop her interacting with anyone outside of her ‘bubble’. They can not risk her getting sick under any circumstances,» a source explained in an interview. «Even those in her bubble, including her dancers and managers, are restricted what they can do and where they can go during their downtime.»
Media outlets report that if Swift were to cancel even a single show during her tour, it’s estimated that it would result in significant financial losses amounting to millions of dollars and cause disruptions to the remaining tour schedule. The stakes are high, so one can never be too careful!
All celebrities have fans that keep a close eye on them and support them unconditionally. However, every coin has two sides and fame often brings along critics as well. Julia Roberts experienced that darker side after receiving a negative mass reaction to her birthday post in honor of her husband. People couldn’t stop bring up an unknown woman in the comments. Find out more here.
Leave a Reply